By L_Tilly on Tuesday, June 12, 2001 - 11:58 am: Edit

Hi, all.
I've found all the info posted here REALLY helpful so far, and hope some big wisdom can flow my way on a concern. First, please be gentle with my ignorance of some of the details of the LR systems. My only previous experience w/ a 4wd was a Bronco II I drove for a couple years, and I never got into the mechanics of it.

I have a '96 Disco we bought in Nov '00. Prior to purchase I had a recommended mechanic look it over and he pointed out some various issues that I've addressed since then. He gave the transmission/4wd system the green-light, but I am afraid something might have slipped by (he wasn't a LR specific mechanic). I think I might have a problem w/ my Disco's Diff-Lock.

I only recently got a copy of the vehicle's manual and have been reading over the details of the off-road systems and cannot get the Diff-Lock to work as written. The transfer gear moves smoothly between Lo/Hi w/ a solid grip at each mark. However, it is very hard to move left into either Lock position and I cannot honestly say if it actually goes there or not. The indicator light (which I just learned existed when I got the manual) never comes on, but that could be a problem w/ the light or sensor, not the Diff (hopefully). As an FYI, the previous owner was a lease to a city-dweller who used it as a station-wagon-on-steriods and it never saw more off-road than a gravel driveway. I have heard third-hand that if the Diff was not used for several years (about 55k miles) it could have "frozen", but I don't know the accuracy of that.

So, is there any advice as to how to know if the DiffLock is actually engaging besides the indicator (definite difference in feel / ride)? Is the transfer gear supposed to have a solid, specific shift to Diff Lock like it does from Hi to Lo? If the Diff has "frozen" what steps are next? I have heard (from said third-party) that repair could run between $200 - $600. Anyone know if this is accurate or if it can even be done personally? Just as importantly, if it is frozen in the Unlocked position, is the vehicle fine for use in light off-road (trail) conditions until I get it repaired?

advTHANKSance
Lawrence - lnctilly@mediaone.net
96 Disco - NH, USA

By Gil Stevens (Gil) on Tuesday, June 12, 2001 - 12:25 pm: Edit

lawrence, I had the same problem. If left unused for a period of time, the difflock can "freeze" in the unlocked position. Unless the light is lit, its not in Difflock. Do a search for "Difflock", im sure you will find an answer as to how fix it. Mine fixed itself on a long hill climb with a resounding bang! Im sure that was good for it...

By Mike R. on Tuesday, June 12, 2001 - 03:29 pm: Edit

I had the same situation. I bought a '97 SE7 w/ 30K miles. The previous owner hadn't ever used the dif lock. The dif lock lever doesn't have a positive click or anything else to let you know that its in place. I'd just work the lever back and forth. Also, you might want to spray some lube on the linkage, which is on the top of the transfer case.

By ben gott on Tuesday, June 12, 2001 - 05:40 pm: Edit

Again, many of have had this prob. when pruchasing discos.. just keep playing with it, if it's not toooo bad you'll be able to work it into place.. if not lubing is the way to go.. It's not really going to be anything serious, just some tinkering..

hope that helps along with the other postings..

ben